Practical training for managers and HR professionals on the changing trade union landscape
The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces significant changes to trade union rights and protections, making it increasingly important for employers and managers to understand how to work constructively and lawfully with trade unions.
Further trade union reforms are due to take effect in October 2026, including new requirements around informing workers of their right to join a trade union and a new statutory framework for trade union access to workplaces.
At Bhayani Law, our practical training helps managers understand what these changes mean for their organisation and gives them the confidence to manage workplace relationships appropriately.
Why Trade Union Training Matters
Managers may find themselves working with trade unions even where their organisation has historically had little or no union involvement.
The new framework strengthens trade union rights and creates new responsibilities for employers. This includes changes relating to trade union recognition, workplace access, facilities and protections for representatives and members.
Managers therefore need to understand both the legal framework and how to respond practically when a trade union becomes involved in the workplace.
Poor communication, inconsistent treatment or a lack of understanding of trade union rights can quickly create employee-relations and legal risks.
Employment Rights Act 2025: What Is Changing?
The Employment Rights Act introduces a number of reforms designed to strengthen trade union participation and representation.
These include a new duty for employers to provide workers with information about their right to join a trade union and a statutory process through which qualifying trade unions can seek access to workplaces, including physical and digital access.
Changes are also being made to trade union recognition and protections connected with trade union activity.
Managers do not need to become industrial-relations experts, but they do need to recognise when trade union rights arise and know when to involve HR or seek further advice.
Working Constructively With Trade Unions
Effective employee relations require more than understanding the legislation.
Managers need to know how to communicate professionally with representatives, respond appropriately to requests and understand the role a trade union representative may play when supporting an employee.
A constructive relationship with trade unions can help organisations manage workplace change, resolve concerns and maintain effective communication with their workforce.
Our Working With Trade Unions Workshop
This practical half-day workshop will help employers and managers understand the changing trade union landscape and prepare for the Employment Rights Act reforms.
Using realistic workplace examples, discussion and practical scenarios, the workshop will cover:
- Key trade union changes under the Employment Rights Act 2025
- Trade union recognition and workplace rights
- The new requirement to inform workers of their right to join a trade union
- Trade union access to the workplace
- The role and rights of trade union representatives
- Communicating and consulting effectively with trade unions
- Managing employee relations in a unionised environment
- Common management mistakes and how to reduce risk
The focus will be on helping delegates understand how the legal changes translate into everyday workplace situations.
What Your Managers Will Gain
Following the workshop, delegates should feel better equipped to understand the key trade union changes affecting employers, recognise the role and rights of trade union representatives, and respond appropriately when a union becomes involved. The session will also help delegates communicate and consult more effectively, identify potential employee-relations risks and recognise when a matter should be escalated to HR or specialist advisors.
Who Should Attend?
This workshop is particularly suitable for business owners, HR professionals, directors and senior leaders, line managers and supervisors, as well as managers already working in a unionised environment or organisations that may encounter trade union involvement in the future. No previous experience of working with trade unions is required.
Why Choose Bhayani Law?
Our training is delivered by experienced HR and employment law specialists who advise employers on workplace matters every day.
We combine legal knowledge with practical HR experience, helping managers understand not simply what the law says, but how they should apply it when dealing with real employees, representatives and workplace situations.
Workshop Details
| Date | Time | Location |
| Wednesday 7 Oct 2026 | 9.30 am – 12.30 pm | Zoom |
This workshop can be booked individually or as part of our full programme including Preventing Sexual Harrassment and Probationary Periods and the New 6 Month Unfair Dismissl. For more information, click here.
| Booking option | Price per person | Saving |
|---|---|---|
| Working With Trade Unions workshop – standard price | £215 + VAT | — |
| Working With Trade Unions workshop – Watertight client price | £193.50 + VAT | 10% |
| Full programme – all three workshops | £548.25 + VAT | 15% |
Book all three workshops and save £96.75 + VAT per person.
Discounts cannot be combined.
Alternatively, if you would like tailored training to your organisation, sector and workplace risks, please contact us on 0333 888 1360 or email [email protected].
Book Your Place
Prepare your managers for the changing trade union landscape before the new requirements take effect.
Contact us on 0333 888 1360, email [email protected] or complete our booking form below to reserve your place.
